savour
B2Formal and literary, but also used in everyday contexts, especially in relation to food and experiences.
Definition
Meaning
To enjoy or appreciate the taste, smell, or experience of something fully and deliberately.
To derive pleasure from an experience or moment, often implying a slow, mindful enjoyment, sometimes used metaphorically.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often conveys a sense of lingering enjoyment or appreciation. Can be used both literally for taste/smell and metaphorically for experiences.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English uses 'savour', American English uses 'savor'. Pronunciation is similar but with slight accent differences.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties, associated with enjoyment, appreciation, and often a sensory experience.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British English, but widely used in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
savour [noun]savour [gerund]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “savour the moment”
- “savour the victory”
- “savour every minute”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used; might appear in metaphorical contexts like 'savour the success' in motivational or reflective writing.
Academic
Used in literary, philosophical, or descriptive texts to denote appreciation of experiences or sensations.
Everyday
Common in contexts related to food, drinks, and enjoyable personal experiences.
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She took a moment to savour the beautiful sunset.
- He savoured every bite of the delicious cake.
American English
- He took a moment to savor the beautiful sunset.
- She savored every bite of the delicious pie.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I savour the taste of chocolate.
- She savours the warm weather.
- They savoured the meal after a long day.
- He savoured the opportunity to travel.
- We should savour every moment of our holiday.
- She savoured the complex flavours of the wine.
- The author savours the irony in the situation, describing it with subtle humour.
- Connoisseurs savour the nuances of rare whiskies.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SAVOUR' as 'SAVE YOUR' senses for enjoyment—save your taste and smell to enjoy fully.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENJOYMENT IS TASTING; LIFE IS A FEAST TO BE SAVOURED.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'савора' (not a word); the closest equivalents are 'наслаждаться' or 'вкушать', but 'вкушать' is more formal and less common.
- Avoid literal translation; use in context of mindful enjoyment rather than simple tasting.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'savor' in British English or 'savour' in American English due to regional spelling differences.
- Using it as a noun incorrectly in contexts where a verb is required; the noun form exists but is less common.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the meaning of 'savour'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Savour' implies a more deliberate, lingering enjoyment, often associated with senses like taste and smell, while 'enjoy' is more general and can apply to any pleasant experience.
Yes, 'savour' can also be a noun meaning a characteristic taste or smell, or the quality that makes something interesting or enjoyable, as in 'the savour of fresh bread'.
It is used in both varieties, but the spelling differs: 'savour' is standard in British English, while 'savor' is standard in American English. Frequency of use is similar, with slight preference in British English.
Use it as a transitive verb followed by a direct object, e.g., 'I savoured the quiet morning,' or with a gerund, e.g., 'She savoured listening to the music.'